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Milly Zero: Dot funeral was a sign I should leave EastEnders

EastEnders star Milly Zero says filming Dot Branning's funeral episodes were 'a sign' that she should leave the show credit:Bang Showbiz
EastEnders star Milly Zero says filming Dot Branning's funeral episodes were 'a sign' that she should leave the show credit:Bang Showbiz

'EastEnders' star Milly Zero says filming Dot Branning's funeral episode was "a sign" that she should leave the show.

The 23-year-old actress has played Dotty Cotton on the BBC One soap since 2019, but she decided the time was right to depart Albert Square when it was revealed the programme would pay tribute to Dot - who was played by the late June Brown - with special funeral and wake episodes, which aired this week.

She said: "My exit comes after Dot’s death and funeral.

"When I had the thought that I wanted to leave and explore other projects the fact that we were doing Dot’s funeral was a sign. I was like, OK, that’s the time for Dotty to go, it makes complete sense."

However, Milly's exit may not be the last 'EastEnders' fans see of her.

While the star admits her departure will be "explosive", Milly admitted her character "could come back".

She added to The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: "Dotty’s exit is explosive. She’s not going to leave with a smile on her face - she’s not that kind of girl.

"Dotty could come back. Hopefully it’s not the end of Dotty but we’ll see."

Last year, Milly admitted she was in awe of June, who died in April aged 95.

She said at the time: "I still can't believe that I got to work with the actual Dot Cotton. There are so many memorable moments with June, and all of them were so surreal.

"The first time I saw her, she was sitting down eating apple pie and smoking at the same time [laughs] - just like Dot.

"June's everything you want her to be - and she's absolutely hilarious. A true legend. To get to work and spend time with June - who I've watched on television since I was a kid - was just amazing."